Cavin Johnson Chiefs

Cavin Johnson. Photo: ©BackpagePix

Cavin Johnson: Mamelodi Sundowns making a BIG mistake staying in Egypt

Cavin Johnson feels the decision by Mamelodi Sundowns to spend an extended period of time in Egypt will prove to be a mistake.

Cavin Johnson Chiefs

Cavin Johnson. Photo: ©BackpagePix

Former Al Ahly assistant coach Cavin Johnson feels the decision by Mamelodi Sundowns to spend an extended period of time in Egypt will prove to be a mistake in their CAF Champions League ambitions.

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Johnson, 63, who is back in South Africa after leaving Al Ahly, is concerned about Mamelodi Sundowns’ plans to spend a week in Egypt as they prepare to face a double-header against Al-Merrikh this Saturday, 19 February (15:00) and then against Al Ahly on Saturday, 26 February (21:00).

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“The first game they should win because it’s Al-Merrikh, and they will not be playing in their own stadium,” Johnson said according to the Kickoff website.

“Al Ahly is going to be very difficult because whatever Sundowns do, the Egyptians will be prepared.

“You must understand you going into a foreign land, and they will be watching.

“Yes, it costs money to stay there, it costs money to fly back and forth, but staying there I think personally is a disadvantage.”

Mamelodi Sundowns decision may have to do with Patrice Motsepe

Johnson suggested the plan had something to do with the presence of CAF president and Masandawana owner Patrice Motsepe being in Egypt.

“Of course, you don’t want to lose and disappoint the president of CAF who also owns Sundowns.

“So obviously they don’t want to lose, but it’s going to be difficult for them in Egypt.

“Also you know what it’s like, in Egypt, there’s also Covid-19, so obviously your movement as a team is limited.

“That creates a lot of boredom within the team, I think.

“But like I said, against Al-Merrikh, I put my money on Sundowns, against Al Ahly, it’s going to be very difficult.

“If they come away with something, then you must know they did a good job,” Johnson concluded.

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